Ruth Atkins

SHREVEPORT, LA - Ruth Knighton Atkins passed away at Willis-Knighton hospital in Shreveport on January 17, 2019 after a brief struggle with pneumonia. She hosted family and friends in her hospital room for several days until her illness weakened her to a level that she could no longer entertain guests. Ruth was born to Dr. James Edward and Louis Powell Knighton on September 13, 1936 in the Tri-State Hospital, now known as Willis-Knighton Health System. Dr. Knighton served as a Medical Officer in the United States Army during World War II, and the family moved often during the war years. A young Ruth learned that if she wanted to have friends in each new community, she had to make them quickly, as her family would likely be moving again soon. Thus, Ruth became an extraverted child and remained an outgoing soul for the remainder of her life. After the war, the family returned to Shreveport, where Ruth attended South Highlands Elementary and C. E. Byrd High School. While at Byrd, Ruth engaged in numerous social activities and played varsity tennis. She was successful in both ventures, winning the Women's State Doubles Championship in tennis while earning the moniker "Smiling Ruth" for her outgoing personality. Ruth capped off her high school achievements by being elected the Ideal Girl at Camp Waldemar and the Governor of Girls State in Baton Rouge. Ruth attended Sophie Newcomb College at Tulane University on a Legislative Scholarship. While at Tulane, Ruth was a member of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity for Woman and studied English. It was not Ruth's love for literature which prompted her to Major in English, but rather the fact that English was one of the few majors that did not hold Saturday morning classes! While at Tulane, Ruth met William J. (Bill) Atkins, and after a couple of years of courtship, the two were married at the First Baptist Church in Shreveport on November 15, 1958. The couple resided briefly in Whidbey Island, Washington, where Bill served out the remainder of his commitment to the United States Air Force as a Navigator/Weapons Officer in the F-89 Scorpion. Afterwards, the couple returned to Shreveport, where they would live for the rest of their lives. Ruth balanced the tasks of raising four children with an active sporting and social life. She quickly gave up tennis because she "did not like to sweat" and instead focused on golf and trap shooting. Her excellent coordination, competitive spirit and grace under pressure allowed her to excel in both ventures. She was a Ladies State Trap Shooting Champion two years in a row, and later was the Ladies Golf Champion at the Shreveport Country Club. Ruth enjoyed traveling around the country competing in golf and shooting competitions for many years, and she met many lifelong friends through these pursuits. Over the years, Ruth also enjoyed her service to or involvement with the Junior League, the Cotillion Club, the Demoiselle Club, The Shreveport Club, The Shreveport Gun Club, The Shreveport Country Club, Southern Trace Country Club and East Ridge Country Club. She had a love for animals, and being in the company of her four-legged friends. Ruth is preceded in death by her brother, Ed Knighton, and her husband of over 50 years, Bill. Ruth is survived by her four children: Alison Atkins Crowther of Miami, FL, Susanna Atkins McCarthy of Baton Rouge, LA, William James Atkins, Jr. of Shreveport, LA and John Edward Atkins and wife Lindsay, also of Shreveport, LA. In addition, Ruth loved her grandchildren, Juliette Louise Crowther of New York City, NY and William John McCarthy of Baton Rouge, LA, as well as her only nephew Charlie Knighton and his wife, Amy, from Jackson, MS. Lastly, Ruth will miss traveling to see her many dear friends from across the United States and the world. The family would like to thank the excellent doctors and nurses of Willis-Knighton Pierremont who did so much to help make Ruth comfortable during her stay at the hospital. In addition, the family would like to thank Ruth's long-time aides and companions Lynette McMillan and Mia Chandler, and her faithful home care attendants Florida Green, Toya Kyles and Carolyn Rambo. Oscar Player has provided invaluable support to the household over the years, and finally, a special thank you is extended to Joe "C. J." Hutson for providing many years of reliable transportation and support to Ruth and her gang! A visitation for friends and family will be held Monday, January 21, 2019 from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at Rose-Neath Funeral Home at 1815 Marshall Street, and funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at St. Mark's Cathedral on Fairfield Avenue. Officiating will be Dean Alston Johnson and the staff of the Cathedral. A private burial will be held. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations may be made to Robinson's Rescue at 2515 Line Avenue, Shreveport, LA, 71104 (robinsonsrescue.org) or the charity of your choice.